Rijkswaterstaat has once again awarded the multi-year maintenance contract of the Maeslant Barrier and the Hartel Barrier to the consortium Hollandia Services – Croonwolter&dros, this time for the period 2026–2031.
Since 2017, this consortium has been responsible for the multi-year maintenance of the storm surge barriers. Hollandia Services is in charge of the steel and mechanical works, while Croonwolter&dros handles the electrical engineering activities. The current contract runs, after three interim extensions, until 15 April 2026.
The maintenance contract was retendered in 2025, and the consortium successfully secured it once again. The new contract will commence on 16 April 2026.
Marjolein van Ruler, Project Manager at Rijkswaterstaat:
“We look forward to continuing the strong collaboration we have built up over the coming years.”
Jeroen van Driel, Manager Asset Management at Hollandia Services:
“We are very pleased that together with Rijkswaterstaat we can continue contributing to the management and maintenance of these iconic flood barriers in the years ahead.”
Jaap Teeuw,Tender Manager at Croonwolter&dros:
“We are proud that as a consortium we can once again contribute to the water safety of the Netherlands over the next five years. We are building on our strong collaboration with Rijkswaterstaat and together achieving ambitious goals in asset management and knowledge retention.”
Maintenance activities
The contract covers both preventive and corrective multi-year maintenance of the Maeslant and Hartel Barriers. Each year, around 800 different preventive tasks are carried out. In addition, corrective maintenance is performed to ensure the barriers continue to function properly and – where possible – to optimise their performance. The contract also includes resolving any malfunctions.
Involved in potential closure of the barriers
Alongside maintenance, the consortium is also part of Rijkswaterstaat’s Operational Team. This team stands ready for the possible closure of the barriers in the event of high water levels. Within this team, there is close cooperation – both within the consortium Hollandia Services – Croonwolter&dros and with the asset manager and the IPM team (PPO) of Rijkswaterstaat. Communication lines are short and transparent, with clear agreements on what needs to be done.
Want to read more about the earlier collaboration? Click here!
